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version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 2 Table of Contents Revision 1.4 Introduction Page AlphaShield™ .......................................... 3 Features and Benefits .............................. 4 - 5 Getting Started Installation and Operation ........................ 6 - 9 Basic Operation Indicators and Controls ............................. 10 -14 Modes of Operations ................................ 15 Anti-Virus Requirements ...........................
06/05/2003 15:55 Page 3 Introduction Revision 1.4 AlphaShield™ Congratulations on the purchase of your new AlphaShield™ computer security device. The purchase of the AlphaShield™ product gives you total peace of mind when connecting to the Internet with full time connections such as xDSL or cable modem. The AlphaShield™ is truly a plug and play device requiring absolutely no software or configuration of any sort.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 4 Introduction Features and Benefits Revision 1.4 AlphaShield™ is the next generation in network security. It is a standalone external hardware device that utilizes cutting edge technology to stop hackers and network attacks before they can access your computer. AlphaShield™ monitors all inbound and outbound data transmissions between your computer and the outside world. It does all this seamlessly while maintaining your Internet connection.
06/05/2003 15:55 Page 5 Features and Benefits Revision 1.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 6 Installation and Operation Revision 1.4 Follow the simple steps below to install your new AlphaShield™ to your home computer. If any of the steps do not indicate the proper listed expectations, please refer to the troubleshooting guide contained in this manual. (1) Remove the AlphaShield™ from the shipment box and insure the following is accounted for. Getting Started One AlphaShield™ security device. One 9 Volt DC, 300 mA Universal Power Adapter.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 7 Installation and Operation Revision 1.4 (4) Connect the AlphaShield™ to the computer. Use the 6-foot straight RJ-45 cable included to connect from the Ethernet connection on the computer to the PC Ethernet RJ-45 on the AlphaShield™. (5) Select the mode of security you wish the AlphaShield™ to operate in. Use the mode switch located on the rear of the AlphaShield™ to select the preferred mode of security. Manual mode is the first selectable position.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 8 Installation and Operation Revision 1.4 (7) Immediate Disconnection of Communications An immediate disconnection can be done at any time regardless of the mode selected on the AlphaShield™. This is done by depressing the disconnect button on top of the AlphaShield™ device.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 9 Installation and Operation Revision 1.4 The duration of the connection is infinite regardless of user activity. It is highly recommended that once the user has completed his or her Internet session, the disconnect button is manually depressed causing a logical disconnect. The Inbound Data LED will always remain solid green upon a good link connection and will flash off when a valid data packet is accepted by the AlphaShield™.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 10 Indicators and Controls Revision 1.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 11 Indicators and Controls Revision 1.4 The AlphaShield™ indicators and controls are very intuitive and provide for easy user operation and network interpretation. The AlphaShield™ consists of 3 LED indicators, 2 push buttons and one selectable slide switch.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 12 Indicators and Controls Revision 1.4 Connect/Disconnect LED Indicator The indicator displays one of the three different statuses. Basic Operation Illuminates solid red to indicate that the connection between the PC port and modem port is logically or physically disconnected. No transmission of user data can pass between the computer and the cable or xDSL modem ports. The computer is disconnected from the network.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 13 Indicators and Controls Revision 1.4 Connect Button Used to re-establish a new connection after either a logical or physical disconnect. The AlphaShield™ connect button is functional in the manual, auto, and lockout mode. In Auto mode, there is no inactivity disconnect timer function. Connections do not time out and should be manually disconnected by depressing the disconnect button upon completion of the user Internet session.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 14 Indicators and Controls Revision 1.4 Mode Switch Selector The slider switch provides 3 user selectable modes of functionality for the AlphaShield™. Each mode will provide a different level of computer security and user convenience. The first slide position selects the manual mode with an inactivity and logical disconnect timer value of 15 minutes. (In this mode the AlphaShield™ will retain the current IP address assignment from the Internet Service Provider.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 15 Modes of Operation Revision 1.4 The AlphaShield™ will provide security by one of the following three selectable modes of operation. The Auto Mode provides a high level of computer security, but with greater user convenience. The Auto Mode has an infinite inactivity timer value and the AlphaShield™ remains connected. The Auto Mode removes the necessary physical intervention that is required in the Manual Mode to re-establish a user session.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 16 Anti-Virus Requirements Revision 1.4 Note: Anti-Virus Software The AlphaShield™ device does not avoid the necessity of anti-virus software required on the client's operating system. Security devices cannot screen out viruses destined to the client in a valid user session. Viruses can also enter the client’s computer system through any peripheral equipment such as floppy disk drives with a contaminated floppy disk installed.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 17 AlphaShield™ Quick Reference Indicator Guide Revision 1.4 AlphaShield™ Status Off Off AlphaShield™ is not being provided with any power. (Check the power adapter) Red Red Red AlphaShield™ is in the Physically Disconnected Mode. Green Green Green AlphaShield™ is in the Connected Mode and operational. Green Red Green AlphaShield™ is in the Logically disconnected mode.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 18 AlphaShield™ Quick Reference Mode Selection Guide User Mode Selecton Inactivity Timeout Revision 1.4 Disconnect Method Computer IP Address RPA Enabled AlphaGap™ Enabled IP Stealth Active Logical Retained Yes Yes Yes Logical Retained Yes Yes Yes Physical Released Yes Yes Yes 15 Min. Manual Mode *(Default) Disconnect Button None Auto Mode Lockout Mode Disconnect Button None 15 Min.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 19 Troubleshooting Revision 1.4 My AlphaShield™ does not power up. Why? Ensure that you are using the provided wall mount power adapter shipped with the AlphaShield™ and not some other power adapter. (9 volt D.C. 300 mA center positive.) Make sure that there is 110 volts AC or 220 volts AC being provided on the wall outlet. In North America 110 VAC. If all the above is correct then the provided adapter could be faulty.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 20 Troubleshooting Revision 1.4 Make sure that the AlphaShield™ computer port is not being connected to the RJ-45 port of the cable or xDSL modem. Make sure that you have the RJ-45 jack plugged into a Network Interface Card on the computer and to no other type of peripheral card. If all the above is correct, then the cable could be faulty. Replace the cable with another straight through RJ-45 network cable. The Connect LED is always on solid green.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 21 Troubleshooting Revision 1.4 Both Inbound/Outbound Data LEDs do not illuminate green and no communication is taking place. Why? Check to make sure that the network and computer’s cables are not reversed on to the AlphaShield™. The computer must be connected to the PC Port and Cable or xDSL is connected to the modem side. If reversed, your AlphaShield™ will not function. The red connect LED comes on too often.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 22 Troubleshooting Revision 1.4 The AlphaShield™ does not function when I connect to my Hub or Switch. Why? Your AlphaShield™ device is a 10Base-T device and must be connected to a hub or switch that can auto-sense or switch to 10Base-T. If the hub or switch is fixed at 100Base-T, your AlphaShield™ will not function. User sessions have to be re-established after a logical or physical disconnect.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 23 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can I still have a logical disconnection when in Auto mode? A Yes! While AlphaShield™ is in auto mode your computer connection is utilizing AlphaGap™, Real-Time Packet Authorization (RPA) and IP Stealth. When you leave your computer or you are leaving momentarily simply depress the disconnect button and the AlphaShield™ will logically disconnect your computer. This will be displayed by an illuminated red disconnect LED.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 24 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can I have the AlphaGap™ , RPA and IP Stealth enabled to my computer and have other devices still operational? A Yes! There is an Aux. port available on the AlphaShield™ that is enabled continuously, but does not provide any security. This port can be utilized for VoIP phones, external switches, hubs, or any other 10Base-T IP devices not requiring any security.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 25 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can someone hack into the operating code residing in my AlphaShield™? A No! Your AlphaShield's™ proprietary security operating program resides in memory and cannot be altered from either the computer or network ports on the device.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 26 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Does my AlphaShield™ provide security between computers on the LAN? A Yes! Your AlphaShield™ does provide security between your computer and other computers on the Local Area Network. In order to provide security to every computer on the local network, you must have an AlphaShield™ device per computer.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 27 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can I make a connection using PC Anywhere, VNC, or any other remote access program through to a remote client using the AlphaShield™ device? A No! Remote access programs will not function or will not allow connection from the outside network via the AlphaShield™ to the computer.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 28 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can my AlphaShield™ function in either Static or Dynamic IP address assignment? A Yes! Your AlphaShield™ can support either static or dynamic IP addressing as long as the client is setup properly for the assigned access. Each computer will have or be assigned an IP address in order to connect to the network.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 29 Frequently Asked Questions Revision 1.4 Q Can I use any computer operating system with AlphaShield™? A Yes! The AlphaShield™ will work with any operating system as long as the selected network protocol is TCP/IP.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 30 Warranty and Product Service Revision 1.4 The Manufacturer warrants AlphaShield™ with an exclusive one year warranty in workmanship and materials from the date of purchase. The AlphaShield™ will provide years of network security and trouble free operation if properly connected and operated as per instruction in this manual. If you are experiencing any problems with your AlphaShield™, please refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 31 Trademark, Patents, & Restrictions Revision 1.4 Limitation of Remedies and Damages AlphaShield Inc.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 32 Trademark, Patents, & Restrictions Revision 1.4 Restrictions You shall not, and shall not allow any third party to: decompile, disassemble, or otherwise reverse engineer or attempt to reconstruct or discover any source code or underlying ideas or algorithms of the software by any means whatsoever.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 33 Replaceable Components and Returns Revision 1.4 The only replaceable part of your AlphaShield™ is the power adapter. Should you misplace, break, or damage your power adapter it can be replaced with standard 9.0 volt DC wall power adapter. The ratings should be 9.0 VDC @ 300 mA center positive. This power adapter can be purchased from various electronic stores and distributors. Should you require a new power adapter, the following 9.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 34 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 10BASE-T The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers IEEE 802.3 specification for Ethernet over thin coax or UTP at 10 Mbps. 100BASE-T Fast Ethernet is a Local Area Network (LAN) transmission standard that provides a data rate of 100 Mbps on UTP cable. Most 100base-T devices will auto negotiate if connected to 10Base-T port. Access Provider Organization providing and maintaining network services for subscribers.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 35 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 Bandwidth A term now used to describe the capacity or amount of traffic (data voice or video) a certain communication line is capable of accommodating. Bits Per Second (bps) The number of bits passing a fixed point every second. The units used for transmission rate of digital information. Bridge A device used to connect to segments of a network and allow data transmission from segment to segment.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 36 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 Denial Of Service (DOS) A malicious kind of attack that floods the intended destination IP address with requests. Example: by pinging 400 to 500 times per second. DHCP Server Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a TCP/IP protocol that enables PCs and workstations to get temporary or permanent IP addresses (out of a pool) from a centrally administered server.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 37 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 Ethernet A baseband LAN specification invented by Xero Corporation and developed jointly by Xerox, Intel, and DEC. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run over coaxial cable or UTP. Ethernet has become a series of standards produced by IEEE referred to as IEEE 802.3. Ethernet Card A printed circuit board that plugs into a computer to permit the computer to connect to a network.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 38 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 IMAP Internet Messaging Access Protocol is a next generation e-mail protocol that is likely to replace POP (Post Office Protocol) for Internet Mail Servers. IMAP allows users to create and manage mail folders over the WAN, as well as to scan message headers and then download only selected messages. IMAP is the current version ratified.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 39 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 ISP Internet Service Provider is an organization that provides access to the Internet. Intranet A private network that uses Internet software and standards. Kbps Kilobits per second (1000 bits per second) is a measure of the transmission speed of data. Link The physical connection between two nodes in a network. It can consist of a data communication circuit or a direct channel (cable) connection.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 40 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 MAC Address Media Access Control is a unique address associated with an Ethernet Card. MIB Management Information Base is a database of network performance information that is stored on a network agent for access by a Network Management Station. Devices such as a NIC, hub, switch, and router know how to respond to a standard set of queries.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 41 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 Port A software access point to a host. Hosts have multiple ports and daemons typically listening to a specific port or ports for connection from clients. Port Scanning A technique of attempting to find listening TCP or UDP ports on an IP device and abstracting from those ports as much information as possible about the device and using the information for intrusion at a later date.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 42 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 RPA Real-Time Packet Authorization is a self-learning, real-time packet inspection process that only allows verified information, specifically requested by the originating user, back into the computer. (AlphaShield™ proprietary technology). SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol is a method of interfacing to a TCP/IP through serial line, especially using dial-up connections.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 43 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol is a reliable, full duplex, connection oriented end-to-end transport protocol running on top of IP. Teardrop Attack An attack that occurs when a malicious person sends instructions over a network attempting to crash the server. Some implementations of the TCP/IP fragmentation re-assembly code do not properly handle overlapping IP fragments.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 44 Glossary Of Terms Revision 1.4 UDP User Datagram Protocol is a TCP/IP protocol describing how messages reach application programs within a destined computer. UDP is a transport layer, connectionless mode protocol, providing a potentially unreliable unsequenced datagram mode for delivery of packets to a remote user. Virus A software program capable of replicating itself and is usually capable of wrecking great harm on the system.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 45 Product Specifications Revision 1.4 AlphaShield™ Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty Interface Speeds Link speeds up to 10 Mbps Power Supply DC wall adapter 9 VDC 4.5 watts ESD Line Protection Each port up to 1500 VDC Electrical Interfaces 3 x IEEE 802.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 46 Additional Information Product Specifications Revision 1.4 Maximum No.
version 1.5.qxd 06/05/2003 15:55 Page 47 RMA Warranty Card Revision 1.4 AlphaShield Inc. warrants this product to be free of defects and to be fully functional for a period of 12 months from the date of original purchase. AlphaShield Inc. will repair or replace at AlphaShield’s option any unit, without cost, during this period if the unit is found to be defective for any reason other than abuse or incorrect usage or installation. AlphaShield Inc.
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